I went to Royal Caribbean's $250 million private island in the Bahamas and was shocked by how much I loved it
Brittany Chang
![I went to Royal Caribbean's $250 million private island in the Bahamas and was shocked by how much I loved it](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-98756278%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-547542%2Fi-went-to-royal-caribbeanaposs-250-million-private-island-in-the-bahamas-and-was-shocked-by-how-much-i-loved-it.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark on Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas draws travelers from many of its cruises.Brittany Chang/Insider
- Many of Royal Caribbean's North American cruises stop at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- The cruise line has seen "exceptionally high" demand for the destination, CEO Michael Bayley said.
What would you do if you had $250 million lying around? If you're Royal Caribbean International, you'd use it to build a private island — exclusive for your guests.
![What would you do if you had $250 million lying around? If you](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757080,width-700,height-525,imgsize-357918/what-would-you-do-if-you-had-250-million-lying-around-if-youaposre-royal-caribbean-international-youaposd-use-it-to-build-a-private-island-x2014-exclusive-for-your-guests-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
That's exactly what the mega cruise brand did in 2019 when it unveiled its own private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
![That](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757079,width-700,height-525,imgsize-457954/thataposs-exactly-what-the-mega-cruise-brand-did-in-2019-when-it-unveiled-its-own-private-island-in-the-bahamas-perfect-day-at-cococay-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
And so far, it's been money well spent: CocoCay's financial returns have been "exceptionally high and significantly above its targeted returns," Naftali Holtz, Royal Caribbean Group's CFO, told investors in February.
![And so far, it](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757071,width-700,height-525,imgsize-648164/and-so-far-itaposs-been-money-well-spent-cococayaposs-financial-returns-have-been-quotexceptionally-high-and-significantly-above-its-targeted-returnsquot-naftali-holtz-royal-caribbean-groupaposs-cfo-told-investors-in-february-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Source: Royal Caribbean Group
The island — accessible on Royal Caribbean's itineraries — is filled with complimentary beaches, food stands, bars, and paid destinations like a private beach club and a water park.
![The island — accessible on Royal Caribbean](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757062,width-700,height-525,imgsize-317286/the-island-x2014-accessible-on-royal-caribbeanaposs-itineraries-x2014-is-filled-with-complimentary-beaches-food-stands-bars-and-paid-destinations-like-a-private-beach-club-and-a-water-park-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
All of this has attracted a swath of travelers, leading the cruise line to see "exceptionally high" demand for this Bahamian destination, Michael Bayley, its president and CEO, told investors in a recent call.
![All of this has attracted a swath of travelers, leading the cruise line to see "exceptionally high" demand for this Bahamian destination, Michael Bayley, its president and CEO, told investors in a recent call.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757058,width-700,height-525,imgsize-347050/all-of-this-has-attracted-a-swath-of-travelers-leading-the-cruise-line-to-see-quotexceptionally-highquot-demand-for-this-bahamian-destination-michael-bayley-its-president-and-ceo-told-investors-in-a-recent-call-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Source: Royal Caribbean Group
Many of Royal Caribbean's North American cruises stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. And this year, Bayley said the getaway will likely see 2.5 million to 3 million travelers.
![Many of Royal Caribbean](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757055,width-700,height-525,imgsize-634094/many-of-royal-caribbeanaposs-north-american-cruises-stop-at-perfect-day-at-cococay-and-this-year-bayley-said-the-getaway-will-likely-see-2-5-million-to-3-million-travelers-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
This private island has generated plenty of buzz for Royal Caribbean. And after visiting it in December 2022, I now see why.
![This private island has generated plenty of buzz for Royal Caribbean. And after visiting it in December 2022, I now see why.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757049,width-700,height-525,imgsize-186782/this-private-island-has-generated-plenty-of-buzz-for-royal-caribbean-and-after-visiting-it-in-december-2022-i-now-see-why-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Perfect Day at CocoCay was the only port of call during my complimentary Wonder of the Seas sailing for media and travel agents.
![Perfect Day at CocoCay was the only port of call during my complimentary Wonder of the Seas sailing for media and travel agents.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757043,width-700,height-525,imgsize-467792/perfect-day-at-cococay-was-the-only-port-of-call-during-my-complimentary-wonder-of-the-seas-sailing-for-media-and-travel-agents-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Before I arrived, I expected an island with amusement park energy: Plenty of attractions for children and plenty of headaches for parents.
![Before I arrived, I expected an island with amusement park energy: Plenty of attractions for children and plenty of headaches for parents.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757034,width-700,height-525,imgsize-403962/before-i-arrived-i-expected-an-island-with-amusement-park-energy-plenty-of-attractions-for-children-and-plenty-of-headaches-for-parents-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
And while some amenities did feel like a theme park, overall, my afternoon on CocoCay was a surprisingly peaceful reprieve from life beyond the waters.
![And while some amenities did feel like a theme park, overall, my afternoon on CocoCay was a surprisingly peaceful reprieve from life beyond the waters.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757023,width-700,height-525,imgsize-513444/and-while-some-amenities-did-feel-like-a-theme-park-overall-my-afternoon-on-cococay-was-a-surprisingly-peaceful-reprieve-from-life-beyond-the-waters-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
There was already another Royal Caribbean vessel there when my ship docked. But because the Wonder didn't sail at full capacity, the island wasn't cramped with visitors.
![There was already another Royal Caribbean vessel there when my ship docked. But because the Wonder didn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757012,width-700,height-525,imgsize-304448/there-was-already-another-royal-caribbean-vessel-there-when-my-ship-docked-but-because-the-wonder-didnapost-sail-at-full-capacity-the-island-wasnapost-cramped-with-visitors-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
There was the option to take a tram from destination to destination. But I, like the star athlete that I am, decided to walk. Yes, I did regret this.
![There was the option to take a tram from destination to destination. But I, like the star athlete that I am, decided to walk. Yes, I did regret this.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757006,width-700,height-525,imgsize-250326/there-was-the-option-to-take-a-tram-from-destination-to-destination-but-i-like-the-star-athlete-that-i-am-decided-to-walk-yes-i-did-regret-this-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
At least it brought me through tree-lined walkways and throngs of excited travelers.
![At least it brought me through tree-lined walkways and throngs of excited travelers.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98757001,width-700,height-525,imgsize-614872/at-least-it-brought-me-through-tree-lined-walkways-and-throngs-of-excited-travelers-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
In between the island's hot attractions — the water park, private club, and beaches — CocoCay had several small slices of respite …
![In between the island](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756993,width-700,height-525,imgsize-726094/in-between-the-islandaposs-hot-attractions-x2014-the-water-park-private-club-and-beaches-x2014-cococay-had-several-small-slices-of-respite-x2026.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
… like these quiet hammocks and the open-air lounge with live music and views of a sandy lagoon.
![… like these quiet hammocks and the open-air lounge with live music and views of a sandy lagoon.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756975,width-700,height-525,imgsize-898770/x2026-like-these-quiet-hammocks-and-the-open-air-lounge-with-live-music-and-views-of-a-sandy-lagoon-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Let's start with the Coco Beach Club, which members of the media got to tour.
![Let](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756965,width-700,height-525,imgsize-445090/letaposs-start-with-the-coco-beach-club-which-members-of-the-media-got-to-tour-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
The cost of a day pass varies by season. Royal Caribbean did not respond to Insider's inquiry about the prices of the island's paid attractions.
![The cost of a day pass varies by season. Royal Caribbean did not respond to Insider](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756960,width-700,height-525,imgsize-415714/the-cost-of-a-day-pass-varies-by-season-royal-caribbean-did-not-respond-to-insideraposs-inquiry-about-the-prices-of-the-islandaposs-paid-attractions-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Here, paying guests have access to the beach club's restaurant, infinity pool, lounge chairs, and bar. The latter is one of 10 on the island.
![Here, paying guests have access to the beach club](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756958,width-700,height-525,imgsize-401100/here-paying-guests-have-access-to-the-beach-clubaposs-restaurant-infinity-pool-lounge-chairs-and-bar-the-latter-is-one-of-10-on-the-island-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
You could also ball out on an overwater cabana with a slide into the water.
![You could also ball out on an overwater cabana with a slide into the water.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756950,width-700,height-525,imgsize-358648/you-could-also-ball-out-on-an-overwater-cabana-with-a-slide-into-the-water-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
If you have the additional money to spend, the beach club could be good for guests who want a quiet afternoon.
![If you have the additional money to spend, the beach club could be good for guests who want a quiet afternoon.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756936,width-700,height-525,imgsize-381428/if-you-have-the-additional-money-to-spend-the-beach-club-could-be-good-for-guests-who-want-a-quiet-afternoon-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But several of its amenities — like the beachfront lounge chairs and a pool — are already complimentary at other parts of the island.
![But several of its amenities — like the beachfront lounge chairs and a pool — are already complimentary at other parts of the island.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756922,width-700,height-525,imgsize-342570/but-several-of-its-amenities-x2014-like-the-beachfront-lounge-chairs-and-a-pool-x2014-are-already-complimentary-at-other-parts-of-the-island-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
If all you want during your trip is a nap on the beach under the sun, just head to the complimentary Chill Island or South Beach.
![If all you want during your trip is a nap on the beach under the sun, just head to the complimentary Chill Island or South Beach.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756921,width-700,height-525,imgsize-429190/if-all-you-want-during-your-trip-is-a-nap-on-the-beach-under-the-sun-just-head-to-the-complimentary-chill-island-or-south-beach-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Source: Royal Caribbean Group
With rows of brightly colored lounge chairs and umbrellas, these two destinations looked nearly identical to hotel-owned beach clubs that cost a pretty penny to visit.
![With rows of brightly colored lounge chairs and umbrellas, these two destinations looked nearly identical to hotel-owned beach clubs that cost a pretty penny to visit.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756917,width-700,height-525,imgsize-461036/with-rows-of-brightly-colored-lounge-chairs-and-umbrellas-these-two-destinations-looked-nearly-identical-to-hotel-owned-beach-clubs-that-cost-a-pretty-penny-to-visit-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But here, I didn't have to open my wallet to breathe in the salty air and snag a seat on the beach.
![But here, I didn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756913,width-700,height-525,imgsize-309298/but-here-i-didnapost-have-to-open-my-wallet-to-breathe-in-the-salty-air-and-snag-a-seat-on-the-beach-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
I managed to find a spot in front of the water, giving me an idyllic break from my walk around the island.
![I managed to find a spot in front of the water, giving me an idyllic break from my walk around the island.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756903,width-700,height-525,imgsize-352792/i-managed-to-find-a-spot-in-front-of-the-water-giving-me-an-idyllic-break-from-my-walk-around-the-island-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
The palm tree-lined walkways, bright blue sky, and quiet buzz from people chatting and laughing made these two complimentary destinations feel like a tropical getaway.
![The palm tree-lined walkways, bright blue sky, and quiet buzz from people chatting and laughing made these two complimentary destinations feel like a tropical getaway.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756896,width-700,height-525,imgsize-317928/the-palm-tree-lined-walkways-bright-blue-sky-and-quiet-buzz-from-people-chatting-and-laughing-made-these-two-complimentary-destinations-feel-like-a-tropical-getaway-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Sure, it's not as exclusive as Coco Beach Club. But it gets the job (relaxing by the beach) done.
![Sure, it](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756890,width-700,height-525,imgsize-519888/sure-itaposs-not-as-exclusive-as-coco-beach-club-but-it-gets-the-job-relaxing-by-the-beach-done-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
For travelers who'd rather move around, there's also the option to rent snorkeling gear, take a jet ski tour, or even play giant billiards.
![For travelers who](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756881,width-700,height-525,imgsize-684992/for-travelers-whoaposd-rather-move-around-thereaposs-also-the-option-to-rent-snorkeling-gear-take-a-jet-ski-tour-or-even-play-giant-billiards-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But as someone who was still sweating from her walk under the sun, nothing seemed more appealing than laying on a beach chair.
![But as someone who was still sweating from her walk under the sun, nothing seemed more appealing than laying on a beach chair.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756873,width-700,height-525,imgsize-607752/but-as-someone-who-was-still-sweating-from-her-walk-under-the-sun-nothing-seemed-more-appealing-than-laying-on-a-beach-chair-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
If my cruise itinerary had stopped at another island, my afternoon likely would have looked the same: lounging by the water.
![If my cruise itinerary had stopped at another island, my afternoon likely would have looked the same: lounging by the water.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756866,width-700,height-525,imgsize-329056/if-my-cruise-itinerary-had-stopped-at-another-island-my-afternoon-likely-would-have-looked-the-same-lounging-by-the-water-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
And for this reason, I wouldn't have substituted my day at Perfect Day at CocoCay with another more publicly accessible destination.
![And for this reason, I wouldn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756859,width-700,height-525,imgsize-694950/and-for-this-reason-i-wouldnapost-have-substituted-my-day-at-perfect-day-at-cococay-with-another-more-publicly-accessible-destination-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
I've always enjoyed going to the beach more than going to a pool.
![I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756855,width-700,height-525,imgsize-585040/iaposve-always-enjoyed-going-to-the-beach-more-than-going-to-a-pool-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But for people who can't stand the feeling of sand (I'll never understand you), there's also Oasis Lagoon.
![But for people who can](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756847,width-700,height-525,imgsize-402040/but-for-people-who-canapost-stand-the-feeling-of-sand-iaposll-never-understand-you-thereaposs-also-oasis-lagoon-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Royal Caribbean says it's the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. And at its peak, this "Oasis" felt more like a pool party with loud music and free-flowing booze.
![Royal Caribbean says it](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756835,width-700,height-525,imgsize-420268/royal-caribbean-says-itaposs-the-largest-freshwater-pool-in-the-caribbean-and-at-its-peak-this-quotoasisquot-felt-more-like-a-pool-party-with-loud-music-and-free-flowing-booze-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Ironically, the children's water playground is right next door.
![Ironically, the children](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756824,width-700,height-525,imgsize-462218/ironically-the-childrenaposs-water-playground-is-right-next-door-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Media was given access to Thrill Waterpark during the later half of the afternoon. So off I went, abandoning my prime seat on the beach.
![Media was given access to Thrill Waterpark during the later half of the afternoon. So off I went, abandoning my prime seat on the beach.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756813,width-700,height-525,imgsize-444468/media-was-given-access-to-thrill-waterpark-during-the-later-half-of-the-afternoon-so-off-i-went-abandoning-my-prime-seat-on-the-beach-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Like Coco Beach Club, a day at the water park and its pools, beach chairs, and 13 water slides costs extra.
![Like Coco Beach Club, a day at the water park and its pools, beach chairs, and 13 water slides costs extra.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756802,width-700,height-525,imgsize-519826/like-coco-beach-club-a-day-at-the-water-park-and-its-pools-beach-chairs-and-13-water-slides-costs-extra-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But once you're in, you'll have access to Thrill Waterpark's crown jewel: Daredevil's Peak, which Royal Caribbean says is the tallest waterslide in North America.
![But once you](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756799,width-700,height-525,imgsize-406254/but-once-youaposre-in-youaposll-have-access-to-thrill-waterparkaposs-crown-jewel-daredevilaposs-peak-which-royal-caribbean-says-is-the-tallest-waterslide-in-north-america-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
After warming up on a few shorter slides, I decided to scale the several floors of stairs and stares to the Daredevil's Peak slide. At the top, I knew the 135-foot descent would probably be faster than my jaunt up.
![After warming up on a few shorter slides, I decided to scale the several floors of stairs and stares to the Daredevil](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756794,width-700,height-525,imgsize-188012/after-warming-up-on-a-few-shorter-slides-i-decided-to-scale-the-several-floors-of-stairs-and-stares-to-the-daredevilaposs-peak-slide-at-the-top-i-knew-the-135-foot-descent-would-probably-be-faster-than-my-jaunt-up-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But after convincing the operator I was "cold, not scared," I quickly realized the slide was no more terrifying than the other ones at the park …
![But after convincing the operator I was "cold, not scared," I quickly realized the slide was no more terrifying than the other ones at the park …](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756787,width-700,height-525,imgsize-374096/but-after-convincing-the-operator-i-was-quotcold-not-scaredquot-i-quickly-realized-the-slide-was-no-more-terrifying-than-the-other-ones-at-the-park-x2026.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
… although the fall did feel significantly longer. I might as well have answered a few emails on my way down.
![… although the fall did feel significantly longer. I might as well have answered a few emails on my way down.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756781,width-700,height-525,imgsize-406180/x2026-although-the-fall-did-feel-significantly-longer-i-might-as-well-have-answered-a-few-emails-on-my-way-down-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
The second structure at Thrill Waterpark had less intimidating and more family friendly options, including a two-person rafting slide and racing slides.
![The second structure at Thrill Waterpark had less intimidating and more family friendly options, including a two-person rafting slide and racing slides.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756774,width-700,height-525,imgsize-519302/the-second-structure-at-thrill-waterpark-had-less-intimidating-and-more-family-friendly-options-including-a-two-person-rafting-slide-and-racing-slides-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Because it wasn't crowded, I probably could have tried every waterslide in under an hour.
![Because it wasn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756769,width-700,height-525,imgsize-559320/because-it-wasnapost-crowded-i-probably-could-have-tried-every-waterslide-in-under-an-hour-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
For the less bold, there's also a wave pool and a separate pool with an interactive obstacle course.
![For the less bold, there](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756766,width-700,height-525,imgsize-349650/for-the-less-bold-thereaposs-also-a-wave-pool-and-a-separate-pool-with-an-interactive-obstacle-course-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Thrill is a great place for families. Teenagers can spend their afternoon on the slides, younger children can wade around the pools, and parents can relax on the beach chairs.
![Thrill is a great place for families. Teenagers can spend their afternoon on the slides, younger children can wade around the pools, and parents can relax on the beach chairs.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756761,width-700,height-525,imgsize-494492/thrill-is-a-great-place-for-families-teenagers-can-spend-their-afternoon-on-the-slides-younger-children-can-wade-around-the-pools-and-parents-can-relax-on-the-beach-chairs-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
And much to my surprise, it was also a great place for this mid-20s-year-old to feel like a child again.
![And much to my surprise, it was also a great place for this mid-20s-year-old to feel like a child again.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756757,width-700,height-525,imgsize-550902/and-much-to-my-surprise-it-was-also-a-great-place-for-this-mid-20s-year-old-to-feel-like-a-child-again-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But after I had my turn down the slides, there wasn't much left for me to do there. I can only bop around the wave pool for so long before wanting a break.
![But after I had my turn down the slides, there wasn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756748,width-700,height-525,imgsize-301238/but-after-i-had-my-turn-down-the-slides-there-wasnapost-much-left-for-me-to-do-there-i-can-only-bop-around-the-wave-pool-for-so-long-before-wanting-a-break-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
And I'd much rather take this break on a lounge chair by the beach than by the water park filled with loud music and rowdy children (sorry).
![And I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756742,width-700,height-525,imgsize-337820/and-iaposd-much-rather-take-this-break-on-a-lounge-chair-by-the-beach-than-by-the-water-park-filled-with-loud-music-and-rowdy-children-sorry-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
After jaunting around the island and down a few slides, I decided to pass on the 1,600-foot-long zipline and helium balloon ride. These both cost extra, anyway.
![After jaunting around the island and down a few slides, I decided to pass on the 1,600-foot-long zipline and helium balloon ride. These both cost extra, anyway.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756739,width-700,height-525,imgsize-275992/after-jaunting-around-the-island-and-down-a-few-slides-i-decided-to-pass-on-the-1600-foot-long-zipline-and-helium-balloon-ride-these-both-cost-extra-anyway-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But I don't feel like I missed out on attractions during my time at Perfect Day at CocoCay. As an older Gen Z, I wanted nothing more than to spend my afternoon laying out by the beach.
![But I don](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756737,width-700,height-525,imgsize-506064/but-i-donapost-feel-like-i-missed-out-on-attractions-during-my-time-at-perfect-day-at-cococay-as-an-older-gen-z-i-wanted-nothing-more-than-to-spend-my-afternoon-laying-out-by-the-beach-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Sure, Perfect Day at CocoCay had all the bells and whistles of a cruise line-owned private island.
![Sure, Perfect Day at CocoCay had all the bells and whistles of a cruise line-owned private island.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756735,width-700,height-525,imgsize-591168/sure-perfect-day-at-cococay-had-all-the-bells-and-whistles-of-a-cruise-line-owned-private-island-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
But I didn't feel the need to ball out on a cabana at Coco Beach Club, nor did I want to spend hours at the waterpark.
![But I didn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756734,width-700,height-525,imgsize-591360/but-i-didnapost-feel-the-need-to-ball-out-on-a-cabana-at-coco-beach-club-nor-did-i-want-to-spend-hours-at-the-waterpark-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
The smell of the saltwater, sight of the waves, and pain from the potential sunburns made me enjoy the island's complimentary beaches more than its paid amenities.
![The smell of the saltwater, sight of the waves, and pain from the potential sunburns made me enjoy the island](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756718,width-700,height-525,imgsize-501220/the-smell-of-the-saltwater-sight-of-the-waves-and-pain-from-the-potential-sunburns-made-me-enjoy-the-islandaposs-complimentary-beaches-more-than-its-paid-amenities-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
As far as cruise ship ports go, Perfect Day at CocoCay isn't rich with Bahamian culture and food.
![As far as cruise ship ports go, Perfect Day at CocoCay isn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756709,width-700,height-525,imgsize-387968/as-far-as-cruise-ship-ports-go-perfect-day-at-cococay-isnapost-rich-with-bahamian-culture-and-food-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Yet, while there was no historic architecture to explore or local culture to immerse myself in, I still found myself enjoying my relatively slow afternoon on the beach.
![Yet, while there was no historic architecture to explore or local culture to immerse myself in, I still found myself enjoying my relatively slow afternoon on the beach.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756702,width-700,height-525,imgsize-388660/yet-while-there-was-no-historic-architecture-to-explore-or-local-culture-to-immerse-myself-in-i-still-found-myself-enjoying-my-relatively-slow-afternoon-on-the-beach-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
There was no need to run around from destination to destination like I have done at other ports of call.
![There was no need to run around from destination to destination like I have done at other ports of call.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756693,width-700,height-525,imgsize-692290/there-was-no-need-to-run-around-from-destination-to-destination-like-i-have-done-at-other-ports-of-call-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Here, I could just splash around, take a leisurely stroll, and hope that my sunscreen is doing its job.
![Here, I could just splash around, take a leisurely stroll, and hope that my sunscreen is doing its job.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756678,width-700,height-525,imgsize-424930/here-i-could-just-splash-around-take-a-leisurely-stroll-and-hope-that-my-sunscreen-is-doing-its-job-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
And for that reason, I understand why the cruise line has seen high demand for this slice of Royal Caribbean paradise at sea. This was one of the most leisurely afternoons I had in all of 2022.
![And for that reason, I understand why the cruise line has seen high demand for this slice of Royal Caribbean paradise at sea. This was one of the most leisurely afternoons I had in all of 2022.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756675,width-700,height-525,imgsize-461080/and-for-that-reason-i-understand-why-the-cruise-line-has-seen-high-demand-for-this-slice-of-royal-caribbean-paradise-at-sea-this-was-one-of-the-most-leisurely-afternoons-i-had-in-all-of-2022-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
From now until April 2025, 127 cruises will sail with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
![From now until April 2025, 127 cruises will sail with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756668,width-700,height-525,imgsize-242834/from-now-until-april-2025-127-cruises-will-sail-with-a-stop-at-perfect-day-at-cococay-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
Source: Royal Caribbean International
And in 2024, the cruise line will unveil an extension of the private island: Hideaway Beach, an adults only section with amenities like a pool and more private cabanas.
![And in 2024, the cruise line will unveil an extension of the private island: Hideaway Beach, an adults only section with amenities like a pool and more private cabanas.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98756660,width-700,height-525,imgsize-159680/and-in-2024-the-cruise-line-will-unveil-an-extension-of-the-private-island-hideaway-beach-an-adults-only-section-with-amenities-like-a-pool-and-more-private-cabanas-.jpg)
Brittany Chang/Insider
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